| Popis: |
SummarySeveral non-chemical methods of weed control in hops (Humulus lupulus) were evaluated in a three-year study. The results show that the use of cultivation, grass and winter rye cover crops, straw and plastic mulches all gave satisfactory weed control in both alleyways and hop rows. Data are presented on the effects of the main treatment groups, on the yield, alpha-acid content and alpha yield of hops. The effects on other hop cone quality criteria are also reported. Cultivation to control weeds had to be timely, and by the end of the study, numbers of weeds germinating in the spring were increasing. The use of a winter rye cover crop was successful in reducing over-wintering weed populations in cultivated plots. Grass reduced yield but raised the alpha-acid content of the cones, resulting in no overall loss in yield of alpha-acid. Yield reductions were overcome by adding extra nitrogen as an early spring top dressing, but this tended to reduce alpha-acid content to give similar alpha yields. Analysi... |
